Successful summer of camping

[Buffalo Skipper 13]

Well, so far, it has been a successful summer of camps (and camping). June 27-July 3 we went to our local camp with 18 scouts (14 first-time summer campers). I only attended the beginning and end of the week, but we had great leadership in place. The troop came out smelling like a...well, they really didn't smell that good, but they did bond in a tremendous way. They took 1st place in the Water Carnival, and missed the Top Troop by 4 pts. It was a terriffic experience for all who attended!

 

Then on July 23, a contingent of 8 scouts headed up to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park where we camped for 2 nights. They organized themselves into 2 groups: the younger group did 2 hikes totalling 9 miles, while the older group hiked up Mt Cammerer (+2700') and out the AT to the other side (-3100') for a total of 12 miles. Then the two groups met in the Cataloochee Valley where we spent the late afternoon viewing elk from the local herd.

 

Sunday we drove to Camp Daniel Boone, where we had another teriffic week. This was the best camp our scouts have attended in a decade! The camp sits in a valley at 3400' elevation. There is a stream running right through the middle of camp, and you are surrounded by several 6000+' peaks. The staff was great and the "honed" scouts took home 3 major troop awards, more than any other troop in attendance.

 

Pride is high, moral is up and we are already planning a Winter camp, and as discussed in another thread, our own summer camp next year.

[Scoutfish 16]

That's AWESOME! The potential for even one thing to go wrong and give a bad lasting impression is pretty high. Glad it all went well.

 

Especially soince your scouts are rarin to go again!

[GKlose 24]

B-Skip, I'm starting to think that I need to look for a job down on the Gulf Coast. Your troop's program sounds great.

 

Guy